CEC mourns the passing of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania

29 January, 2025

Photo: Aleksander Wasyluk
Photo: Aleksander Wasyluk

The Conference of European Churches (CEC) mourns the passing of His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania. He passed away on 25 January 2025 at the age of 95. 

A visionary and transformative figure, Archbishop Anastasios revitalised the Orthodox Church in Albania after the fall of communism. His leadership saw the rebuilding of hundreds of churches and a steadfast commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue. He served as Vice President of CEC from 2003–2009. 

In a heartfelt letter, CEC President His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the organisation. “On behalf of the Conference of European Churches, I extend our deepest condolences to the Holy Synod, to the clergy, and to the faithful of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania during this time of grief,” he wrote. 

Archbishop Nikitas highlighted Archbishop Anastasios’s invaluable contributions to the ecumenical fellowship, noting his dedication to unity, peace, and Christian cooperation. “His tireless efforts to promote ecumenical dialogue and cooperation among Christian communities will remain a cherished legacy,” he said. 

The late Archbishop’s leadership was marked by humility, wisdom, and a deep commitment to Christ’s teachings. A longstanding and dedicated member of CEC’s governing bodies, he left an enduring impact on its mission and values. 

Archbishop Nikitas concluded with a prayer, reflecting on the promise of resurrection as expressed in 1 Corinthians 15:22-26: “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” 

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